Examples of Resume Cover Letters

I've put together two of the most popular styles of cover letters for your resume --specific and general. I've included the general cover letter for those who may want to mass produce or send out several copies to multiple employers at one time.

You can also choose to use the sample of the specific cover letter for your resume. This is typically the most valuable in achieving the attention of the prospective employer. If it is addressed to the company or individual, it will show that you have a knowledge and appreciation for the person or business. Overall, it gives a better first impression than the general cover letter.

Both cover letters are a good starting point for you to fill in the gaps and sell yourself to the company of your dreams.

Specific Cover Letter Sample:

Cynthia B Smart

505 Beverly Hills Drive

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Be sure to add your address and name at the top left corner, there is no need to add a phone number on this page, save that for the resume.

Dear Vacker Industries: Even if you are responding to a position that needs to go to someone's attention, save that for the envelope. The headline here just after Dear should be the company name only, unless you are applying to an individual.

I am writing In response to your recent advertisement regarding the Safety and Quality Control position.

I am also enclosing my resume for your review. I would like you to please consider this letter as my formal application.

I have over five years of experience in the health and safety field. I find myself being very qualified in the areas of health, safety and quality control issues in conjunction with the state, local and federal guidelines. I have considerable experience in dealing with insurance claims and litigation. I pride myself in having thorough knowledge of the different process and procedures of the corporate environment. I work well with others and take pride in getting my work completed in the required time frame. It is a good idea to list very briefly your experience and skills in this section of the cover letter -- don't over do it, but make sure to get the point across!

I've listed below the agencies in which I have extensive consulting experience with:

California Workers Compensation Commission -- Los Angeles Environmental Protection Agency -- State of California Occupational Health and Safety Administration -- California Department of Transportation -- Utah Natural Resources Conservation Commission -- Federal Aviation Administration Here is a good place to showcase and lightly tap upon your past employment and volunteer history, whatever it takes to get the employers attention.

At your convenience I would like to arrange an interview to further discuss with you my qualifications. Don't forget this part, this extends out a virtual handshake and ties in a call back at a later date.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Thanking the employer with a friendly note will end the letter and let the employer know you are sincere and thankful.

Make sure to include the signature section with enough area for you to be able to sign your name and add your personalized signature.

Adding the abbreviation (Encl.) will let the employer know that you have enclosed your resume along with the cover letter.

General Cover Letter Sample:

For a general cover letter sample it can be set up in the same format as above except it will not be addressed to a specific company or person, you may start off the letter with Dear Employer. This type is not widely recommended but if you are at a job fair or mass hiring station -- this sample format may work for you.

Whatever style you choose, keeping things brief and to-the-point are essential tasks in keeping your cover letter in tip-top shape!